BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) – Five reported cases of coyote attacks in Boulder have wildlife officials scrambling to find a way to curb the problem.

“This is the second year we’ve had a lot of activity in this area, so something is going on,” Jennifer Churchill of Colorado Parks and Wildlife said.

“People using this trail are so helpless in defending themselves against these dangerous animals,” cyclist Kris Thompson said.

Thompson witnessed a coyote attack in November of 2011 on the Boulder Creek Bike Path. The coyote actually jumped at him and towards his bike tire. Thompson and the biker both walked away from the attack but the incident has raised his awareness.

“Be aware and be fearful of these animals on the trail because they may look comfy and cute but they can become aggressive at any moment,” he warned.

The recent spike in aggressive encounters has wildlife officials scrambling to come up with a plan to curb the issue.

“There is a certain coyote that’s following people chasing people; maybe the same coyote that bit someone,” Churchill said.

Officials from Parks and Wildlife, Open Space, Urban Wildlife, City of Boulder and the University of Colorado met on Friday to try and find an answer.

“We actually didn’t decide anything,” Churchill said. “It’s an ongoing issue. We are working closely with Boulder. We are sharing information as best we can.”

Wildlife officials urge people to follow a few simple steps for protection against wildlife. Don’t feed the wildlife and leash pets. Those who see a coyote acting aggressively should yell, kick, or throw rocks at the coyote to shoo them away. Those who become a victim of a coyote attack should call police and wildlife officials immediately.